Film and Video Editing - Roger Crittenden, 1995

Editing Procedure.

Logging is an important preparation in editing as it helps organise all the shots so that you can quickly find shots by their reference. "the prime purpose of your log is to enable to find material from a simple number reference."

Example of Log Sheet - pg. 72

The next stage taken by an editor is usually marking up of script. If there is a continuity notes then this process is just to check the coverage of all the scenes. These notes may also be taken during the viewing with Director of the sync rushes. This stage is to help "get a feel of the material and to begin to relate the script as written to the film as realised."

It's always better to look at the sync footage then to jump straight into cutting without a clear understanding of the material in mind. When cutting a fiction you have a draft in the form of a script but cutting "to a script may lead you up a blind alley which you can avoid if the viewing is held first."

It is very important to have a good relationship between a DIrector and Editor. This can be illustrated as some Directors have changed their schedules to fit when their favourite Editor is available. This can also be shown as some director frequently use the same editors for several of their films. For example Truffaut works frequently with Martine Barraqué and Scorsese's frequently works with Thelma Schoonmaker. Some Directors prefer having a more creative director while others prefer a reliable technician but all editors must follow the following points made in this book:

pg. 83

The Language of editing: giving you material form and refining its meaning.

"Editing is directing the film for the second time"

Selection
Editor have three main decisions to make when cutting their film. The first is to choose between the different takes of a shot. Every time a shot is retook it gives more room for selection for the editor. The second choice involves different angles. Most action is filmed in more then one set up therefore the choice to change angle or size of shot. And the third choice an editor has is what to cut to next and when exactly to cut.

Structuring
When editing a film you must first understand the structure of each scene and its relation to the rest of the film. "If the writing and/or shooting of a film is meant to convey more than just words and actions of the characters then the cutting must be used to serve those aspects of the drama that lie beneath the surface. if you edit merely to ensure that the dialogue is heard and the actions is seen then your structuring will be only something mechanical."

Balance and Emphasis
"The real contribution of editing is to provide support to the inherent drama through balance and emphasis." The shots in each scene must be kept balances.